In a significant address at the Shangri-la Dialogue, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized the pressing need for Asian countries to enhance their military capabilities in response to China's aggressive posture towards Taiwan. He highlighted China's ambitions to assert dominance in the region and warned that preparations for a potential military conflict are underway, calling for close cooperation with the US to ensure stability.
**Hegseth Urges Stronger Defense Against China's 'Imminent' Threat to Taiwan**
**Hegseth Urges Stronger Defense Against China's 'Imminent' Threat to Taiwan**
US Defense Secretary calls for increased regional military spending at Shangri-la Dialogue summit amid rising tensions with China.
___
At the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that China represents an "imminent" threat to Taiwan, urging Asian nations to bolster their defense spending and collaborate more closely with the US to prevent military aggression. Hegseth described China's goal of regional hegemony, suggesting that Beijing is actively preparing for military action, particularly concerning Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.
He stated, "Let me be clear: any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world." Hegseth advocated for a robust defense posture in Asia, noting that while the US does not seek conflict, it will not be pushed out of the region.
China's response to Hegseth's remarks accused the US of being a "biggest troublemaker" and sowing disorder through military deployments in the South China Sea. The Chinese embassy criticized the US's portrayal of its military actions as threats and suggested that the US is the source of instability in the region.
Hegseth underscored the necessity of building a "strong shield of deterrence" against potential Chinese aggression, comparing the situation in Asia to recent defense spending increases in Europe. He called on Asian allies to take similar steps in upgrading their military capacities.
The importance of military readiness was emphasized with Hegseth's mention of a 2027 timeframe projected by US officials for China's potential capability to invade Taiwan. Asian nations were encouraged to avoid reliance on the US for their security needs and to recognize that the threat from China requires a unified and proactive response.
Critics, including members of the US Senate, voiced concerns about the approach taken by Hegseth, labeling it patronizing. They emphasize the need for mutual respect in partnerships rather than a unilateral call for dependence on the US.
Overall, Hegseth’s address encapsulated American concerns regarding China's military ambitions, while also stressing the need for Asian nations to reevaluate their defense strategies to counterbalance perceived threats effectively. The dialogue reflected the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, shaped by national security interests across the Indo-Pacific region.
At the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that China represents an "imminent" threat to Taiwan, urging Asian nations to bolster their defense spending and collaborate more closely with the US to prevent military aggression. Hegseth described China's goal of regional hegemony, suggesting that Beijing is actively preparing for military action, particularly concerning Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.
He stated, "Let me be clear: any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world." Hegseth advocated for a robust defense posture in Asia, noting that while the US does not seek conflict, it will not be pushed out of the region.
China's response to Hegseth's remarks accused the US of being a "biggest troublemaker" and sowing disorder through military deployments in the South China Sea. The Chinese embassy criticized the US's portrayal of its military actions as threats and suggested that the US is the source of instability in the region.
Hegseth underscored the necessity of building a "strong shield of deterrence" against potential Chinese aggression, comparing the situation in Asia to recent defense spending increases in Europe. He called on Asian allies to take similar steps in upgrading their military capacities.
The importance of military readiness was emphasized with Hegseth's mention of a 2027 timeframe projected by US officials for China's potential capability to invade Taiwan. Asian nations were encouraged to avoid reliance on the US for their security needs and to recognize that the threat from China requires a unified and proactive response.
Critics, including members of the US Senate, voiced concerns about the approach taken by Hegseth, labeling it patronizing. They emphasize the need for mutual respect in partnerships rather than a unilateral call for dependence on the US.
Overall, Hegseth’s address encapsulated American concerns regarding China's military ambitions, while also stressing the need for Asian nations to reevaluate their defense strategies to counterbalance perceived threats effectively. The dialogue reflected the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, shaped by national security interests across the Indo-Pacific region.
